The NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup guidelines have changed ahead of the trip to Mexico City. NASCAR has introduced the International Provisionals.
According to an update from NASCAR, the Xfinity Series lineup could feature up to 40 entries for the June 14 race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez (4:30 p.m. ET on CW) based on qualifying results. Eligibility for these two positions will be in accordance with Section 7.9 of the NASCAR Rule Book.
The Xfinity Series starting lineup is limited to 38 entries each week. However, this is not a simple trek for teams, so NASCAR does not want to send any home early due to the significant costs involved and the amount of work required to get to the road course.
This is not an official rule change, according to NASCAR. It is an update to the Entry Blank, which each team must submit if they want to enter the race. Mike Forde, managing director of racing communications at NASCAR, explained on the latest "Hauler Talk" podcast episode that this Entry Blank can occasionally have special rules for certain events.
"We're expecting 39 teams to show up for the Xfinity Series race in Mexico," Forde said. "I'm sure there are going to be stories coming out between now and three weeks from now -- when we have the Mexico City race -- just about the logistical challenges that go into participating in this race from the NASCAR perspective, but especially from the teams' perspective.
"Getting haulers across the border and what you need to load up on the haulers and what you're allowed and what you're not allowed."
Like the Open Exemption Provisional in the Cup Series, there are some important details for teams to remember.
- The 39th and 40th position cars will not be eligible for Prize Money associated with the Event, regardless of finishing position.
- They will not receive driver or Team Owner Points for the Race or Stage finishing position. All other vehicles will be elevated and receive Points accordingly.
- They will not receive credit for the win or any Playoff benefits associated with the win. The 2nd place vehicle will receive 1st place Points but will not receive the benefits associated with the win, including eligibility for the Playoffs.
- They will not receive Playoff Points associated with a Stage and/or Race win. The 2nd-place vehicle in the Stage and/or Race will not receive Playoff Points.
What does this mean? Let's say a car with the International Provisional starts in the 40th position but moves to eighth before the end of stage 1. They would not get points for this position. The car that finished ninth in the stage would get eighth-place points. The same goes for the finishing position in the race and the points/prize money awarded.
If these cars are not eligible for points or prize money, why would they use the International Provisional to still compete in the road course race? One reason is to support their sponsors. Going to Mexico City is by no means a small task for these teams, especially those that could be in danger of failing to qualify for the race.
Using the International Provisional is a way for these teams and drivers to get their sponsors some time on TV and deliver a return on investment.